Family and friends keep Trooper Brinkerhoff’s spirit alive

“It’s a dangerous job, to be a police officer. But when it got too hard for us, that’s when David’s unit showed up,” Nigrelli said.

Trooper Brinkerhoff was a member of the New York State police mobile response team. It is the same team that helped capture Ralph ‘Bucky’ Phillips, in 2006.

“From a little kid, he always know what he wanted to do. He worked his way through the ranks,” said Brinkerhoff’s brother, Mike. “Dave may be gone, but his memory lives on. And today, his memory runs on,” said State Police Captain Steve Nigrelli.
500 people raced to remember a life cut short. State trooper David Brinkerhoff was killed two years ago when his unit was searching for a fugitive in Margaretville, New York. He was just 29-years-old.

The money from this event will go toward a high school scholarship in Brinkerhoff’s memory, and to the Town of Boston recreation department.

“We grew up on these fields, we played baseball, soccer, football. This is what raised us,” Brinkerhoff said.

The day Bucky Phillips was caught was the same day Brinkerhoff’s daughter was born. Brinkerhoff returned home for her birth. Seven months later, he would never return from a different manhunt. Brinkerhoff’s wife and daughter weren’t able to make it to Saturday’s race.

The trooper Brinkerhoff foundation also raises money for law enforcement and emergency responders, as well as the Special Olympics.

“DAVID LEFT HIS OWN MEMORY. THROUGH THIS WE CAN HELP OTHERS FURTHER,” said Mike.MIKE BRINKERHOFF SAYS HIS BROTHER ALWAYS WANTED TO HELP PEOPLE. THROUGH THE FOUNDATION, BRINKERHOFF CONTINUES TO HELP EVEN AFTER HIS DEATH.

Link“Unfortunately, they couldn’t make it out here. I know they like to spend time together. They have their special father’s day event planned,” Mike Brinkerhoff said.